Don’t let drinking ruin your life

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: I’ve never admitted this to anyone, but I’m beginning to wonder if I’m drinking too much. It’s not like I’m drunk very often (I’m not), but I need a few drinks to get through the day, and a few more to calm down at night. Do you think I’m in danger of becoming an alcoholic? — D.F.

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: I’ve never admitted this to anyone, but I’m beginning to wonder if I’m drinking too much. It’s not like I’m drunk very often (I’m not), but I need a few drinks to get through the day, and a few more to calm down at night. Do you think I’m in danger of becoming an alcoholic? — D.F.

DEAR D.F.:

Yes, I do, and the reason is because alcohol seems to have become an essential part of your life. In my understanding, alcoholism isn’t just a question of quantity (that is, how much you consume), but also of quality (that is, how much you depend on it to keep you going).

You’ve taken the first step by admitting you may have a problem — and that’s an important step, because many alcoholics refuse to face their problem until it’s almost destroyed them. Don’t let this happen to you! Almost certainly your problem will only get worse if you don’t deal with it now. The Bible warns, “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Those who linger over wine.

In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper” (Proverbs 23:29,30,32).

What should you do? First, seek out a treatment program in your community that will help you deal with this issue. Your pastor or doctor probably can advise you about your options, and you shouldn’t be embarrassed to seek their help. Ask trusted family members to stand with you also.

In addition, I urge you to turn to God and seek his help. God loves you, and Christ wants to help you and give you the inner peace you seek. Alcohol can never give it to you — but Christ can, and he will as you turn in repentance and faith to him, and learn to commit your problems to him.